The Reds boss oversaw a huge overhaul of his squad following the sale of Luis Suarez to Barcelona.

He signed the likes Dejan Lovren, Lazar Markovic and Mario Balotelli who have failed to shine for the Anfield club.

And Scholes believes Rodgers' failure to build on their second-place finish has cost them a chance of winning the title.

"I rate Rodgers as a manager," Scholes wrote in his Independent column.

"The expectation at Liverpool got out of control last season and now, when the belief from the fans has been that they should take the next step, the team have been unable to do it.

"I go back to the signings once again. They weren’t good enough. A manager lives and dies by the players he brings in, especially when someone as big as Luis Suarez leaves.

SLAMMED: Scholes give Rodgers both barrels [GETTY]

“For instance, the £20m price for Dejan Lovren means that instead of looking like a smart call on a player with potential, he becomes a £20m defender with all the pressure that brings”

Paul Scholes

"For instance, the £20m price for Dejan Lovren means that instead of looking like a smart call on a player with potential, he becomes a £20m defender with all the pressure that brings.

"To go to the next level, Liverpool needed two top-quality signings but they have not been able to get those players and so the momentum that they built over the course of last season has been lost.

"Instead of challenging at the top of the table, they find themselves losing to Crystal Palace and taking Champions League second round qualification down to the wire. They are going backwards rather than forwards.

"Coping without Suarez and the injured Daniel Sturridge would have been difficult for any manager.

"The only small consolation is that it was the second half of last season that Liverpool’s form really hit the heights."